Nikon 24mm f/1.8G Lens Review: Wide, fast, sharp and much more affordable

posted Friday, October 16, 2015 at 6:41 PM EDT

For about five years now, Nikon has only offered a single option for an ultra-fast 24mm prime, the AF-S 24mm f/1.4G. There was a notably slower f/2.8 version of a 24mm prime, which Nikon debuted back in 1993. However, while the 24mm f/1.4G was decently sharp wide-open (better when stopped down) and great for low-light shooting, it was quite the pricey investment at around $2,200.

Enter the Nikon 24mm f/1.8G. Announced earlier this year, the new f/1.8 version offers nearly all the same amenities as the f/1.4 version -- Nano-Crystal Coat, weather sealing, and great low-light performance. And yet, with only a two-thirds of a stop loss in light gathering capabilities, Nikon's shaved off nearly three times the price of the f/1.4 model. So the question is... how does it perform?

Nikon D800E: f/1.8, 1/5000s, ISO 100

Very well, in fact. The sharpness is very good, even wide-open, though expect soft corners on full-frame cameras. Other optical qualities are really top-notch. At only $750, the Nikon 24mm f/1.8G still a sizable chunk of change, but it seems like one heck of a bargain compared to Nikon's sole other offering for this similar feature set.

Head on over to SLRgear for our in-depth, detailed Nikon 24mm f/1.8G lens review with our full range of testing results and optical quality analysis as well as test images, AF performance and build quality notes. Check out some sample photos below shot by our lens technician Rob Murray using our Nikon D800E test camera. You can view more sample photos, plus download the full-resolution files, over at our Flickr page.

The Nikon 24mm f/1.8G, with an estimated retail price of around $750, is not yet available for purchase, but pre-ordering is available at certain retailers. Check out links below for more information. Buying this lens, or any other item, at one of these trusted affiliates helps support this site and keeps the reviews coming!